Making the natural choice

A new webinar series looking at the ‘wicked challenges’ facing the planet has been launched by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

The first in the online Wicked Webinar series will define the natural economy and how this can contribute to a sustainable, green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hosted by Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, the Natural Choice webinar will include presentations by keynote speakers Graeme Blackett, Director of BiGGAR Economics, and Terry A’Hearn, CEO of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Graeme is the author of the recently published Scotland’s Natural Economy: Sustainable Growth Potential report, commissioned by SRUC.

The report valued Scotland’s natural economy – including tourism, food and drink, fishing and aquaculture, energy, agriculture and forestry – at more than £29 billion a year.

Terry, who has over 20 years’ experience in the environment profession, is strongly focused on bringing environmental and economic aims together, supporting business and social innovation.

The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session where participants can ask questions and share their thoughts.

The Wicked Webinar series is part of SRUC’s new vision and mission focusing on a sustainable natural economy.

Other webinars will look at how we can achieve a green recovery from Covid-19; the challenges of communicating environmental and climate change research; and how to bring rural thinking to urban spaces; with more sessions due to be confirmed later.

Prof Powell said: “This new webinar series is part of our vision to lead the way in delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all, in Scotland and beyond.

“The potential of the natural economy to Scotland is vast, and SRUC’s role in this is significant.”

The Natural Choice webinar will take place on Tuesday 22 September from 1pm to 2pm.

For more information, or to register, visit: sruc.ac.uk/thenaturalchoice

Posted by SRUC on 16/09/2020